Author: Talalian Arpi

LET MEDVEDEV INTERVENE

A1Plus.am
11/05/10

Nearly a dozen bloggers held a protest today in defense of journalist
Ernest Vardanyan who is currently deprived of liberty.

Ernest Vardanyan was sent to prison after the government of Near
Dnester charged him of spying for Moldova and betraying the homeland
on April 7.

The participants of the protest handed letters to security officials
at Russian Embassy in Armenia and the UN Office.

The bloggers are addressing Russian President Dmitri Medvedev because
they think he can have an impact on the authorities of Near Dnester.

They request a full medical examination for Ernest to find out whether
the latter is under the influence of any sedatives. In addition to
that, they demand giving Ernest the opportunity to have a private
advocate and the government to release information on why they are
charging Ernest with evidence.

"If they can’t provide evidence, let them release Ernest and conduct
the investigation while he is in liberty," said blogger Arev.

Participating in the protest was president of the Helsinki Association
Mikayel Danielyan who expressed the concern about the small number
of protesters.

Today is Ernest Vardanyan’s birthday. He was born in 1980 in Gyumri and
he and his family moved to Moldova after the earthquake. He graduated
from the Faculty of Political Science at Kishnev University and is
a member of the Union of Armenians of Moldova. Ernest has a 6-year
old son and a 9-year old daughter.

AZERBAIJANI AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA CALLS ON GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR VETERANS TO BE READY FOR WAR IN KARABAKH

ArmInfo
2010-05-10 16:24:00

ArmInfo. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu called
on the veterans of the Great Patriotic War to be ready for war in
Karabakh. The ambassador voiced this strange call during the meeting
with the Azerbaijani veterans of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow.

"Of course, we would like to believe that we can reach our goal
peacefully. But nobody knows it exactly. Probably we will run a war for
Karabakh. Everyone, all Azerbaijani people have to be ready for war for
this war", the ambassador said. To note, the meeting was dedicated to
the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Apparently,
the lessons of the past taught nothing to the Azerbaijani diplomat
who calls on to war.

Today, Azerbaijan
May 8 2010

Azerbaijani political figure: Armenia is not in despertate situation

08 May 2010 [15:11] – Today.Az

`I have observed no warming in the Armenia-Turkey normalization
lately,’ senior official of the Azerbaijan Citizens and Development
Party Aliabbas Maharram said.

He said Turkey will normalize relations with Armenia only after
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is restored.

"Armenia worsened already desperate process of normalizing relations
with Turkey after it suspended it. So, there is no warming in this
matter,’ he added.

"I do not think that Armenia is in a hopeless situation. There is a
way out from any situation. It will somehow find a way out. But I want
to emphasize this issue is a big problem for Armenia because interests
of various countries clashed around it.’

`The best way for Armenia out of this tough situation is de-occupation
of the Azerbaijani territories. I see no other way for Armenia. Only
after this, Yerevan may launch discussions with Ankara on
Armenian-Turkish border. Of course, Armenia should also abandon
so-called "genocide" claims and territorial claims towards Turkey,"
Maharram said.

He noted that pressure on Turkey by the international community will
not bring any results.

/Day.Az/

URL:

MINISTER NALBANDIAN TO MEET THE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS IN BRUSSELS

armradio.am
07.05.2010 18:53

The Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, will leave for
Strasbourg on May 11 to participate in the meeting of Foreign Ministers
of the Council of Europe member states.

Minister Nalbandian will leave Strasbourg for Brussels, where he
will participate in the sitting of the North Atlantic Council in 28+1
format. The process of implementation of the Armenia-NATO Individual
Partnership Action Plan will be discussed at the sitting.

The Armenian Foreign Minister will meet the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs
in Brussels.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO MEET WITH OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS IN BRUSSELS

Panorama.am
19:21 07/05/2010

Politics

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian is due to leave for
Strasbourg on May 11 to participate in the meeting of Foreign Ministers
of the Council of Europe member states.

Minister Nalbandian will leave Strasbourg for Brussels, where he
will participate in the sitting of the North Atlantic Council in 28+1
format, with the Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, MFA reported. The
process of implementation of the Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership
Action Plan will be discussed at the sitting.

The Armenian Foreign Minister will meet with the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs in Brussels.

CONGRESS CREATED THE FANTASY
SIRANUYSH PAPYAN

Lragir.am
06/05/10

Why does everybody exclude the possibility of a Kirgiz scenario in
Armenia? Why isn’t it possible here?

To tell the truth, the Kirgiz topic does not interest me much because
we have no bases of information about those people, and processes,
so discussions are somehow in vain. It is particular to us to dwell
on thing about which we have zero information. This is the reason
why the discussion does not bring to anything. Because, intellectuals
are supposed to know everything, but they do not think they need to
be competitive. I know that in Kirgizia the problem consists in the
division between North and South, in the fights of clans.

In your opinion, does a nation have the right to rebel?

I will indiscreetly remind you that the theme of rebellion, I picked
up one of the firsts, back in 2006. From a theoretical point of view,
people cannot have the right to revolt, if the philosophy of democracy
and the Constitution is adopted.

Even if you refuse democratic values which is the right of everyone, so
you cannot but to accept the Constitution of the country. The logic of
democracy without the right to revolt is incomplete. Our Constitution
runs that the power in the country belongs to the people and is formed
through elections. It is also mentioned that the usurpation of the
power by a group of people is a crime, but there is no mechanism,
which can be applicable, if usurpation anyway happens like it happened
on March 1.

Initially, in the Declaration on Human Rights, adopted after the
French Revolution, the right to revolt was confirmed officially. Then,
in 1793, this provision was removed. The right to revolt was discussed
before too, and some scholars said ‘yes’.

I am personally in favor of it, we have also consolidated this position
in the Constitution, but practical questions occur: what does it mean,
people have the right to revolt, how to define the concept of "people",
"rebellion" and "right"?

If you have a need for violence, then even if you are among the
majority, there is always the temptation to impose your views on the
rest. I do not propose to eliminate violence, but perfect victory is
a victory without violence.

Does the idea on a revolt not mature in an insolvable situation?

The tangible part of our people is has revolt moods now too. After
2008, values which will bring to a revolution in our minds are formed
and this will be the biggest revolt.

I would like the power to have been changed in 2008, but I was sure
then that very soon, victory would turn into despair. We are still
pagans and we want a revolt in any case. In practice, we are not
democratic, so we want a dad with bludgeon to come to power. Congress
may be accused of everything possible, say, I do not understand their
position in connection with the Karabakh issue, but Congress created
the fantasy- it formed the concept of a bloodless revolution.

And how about despair and creation of a new force?

I do not think the creation of a new movement in the current moment
can be real. Besides, those who lived 2008 cannot get despaired. It
is possible to search, to make mistakes but despair is a passed phase.

Currently discussions take place exclusively in the oppositional
space. Since the authorities have nothing. And not only adequate
intellectual response. This means that the time will come and they
will go.

I myself have criticized Congress, but now I realized that it turns
into a kind of gathering of hurrying people, encrusted, and even
uninteresting structures. And I am afraid that it could result in a
stagnant swamp.

The fact that people during these two years are in a Movement which
from time to time turns into a routine cannot but change men, and I
will not be afraid of this word, give them clearance.

Ombudsman affirms that processes are taking place within the
government too.

This is a difficult question. I do not believe much in the fight
against monopolists, because, more likely, the point is about the
centralization, so if there are several oligarchs, so tomorrow,
we can have only one in the figure of all-loved Sergio Libertovich.

Which civilization space would you rate Armenia?

We, of course, are a post-Soviet country, so all the events in Armenia
should be viewed as a manifestation of a broader field. But in this
case this is a "minus" for us and it would be better as soon as
possible to "break away" from this space.

In theory, CIS may turn into something else too, currently, I do
not see such tendencies. Russia heads the system, which can propose
to the world interesting ideas besides inarticulate sounds. But in
the CIS space, you may receive a new system of values. I believe
that Russia cannot sleep forever, and someday it will again start
interesting and informative dialogue with Russia. Maybe then you will
be surprised how your venerable servant, critic of Russian influence,
will be the most pro-Russian man in Armenia, remembering his Russian
education and Russian language.

RA GOVERNMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN ESTABLISHMENT OF CANDLE INTERNATIONAL CENTER

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 6, 2010 – 18:10 AMT 13:10 GMT

Today, the Armenian government approved the project on establishment
of CANDLE international center based on synchrotron light emission
facility. Given the importance of this project for the applied
sciences and technologies development, the state will participate in
this scientific project, covering 25% of expenses, the press service
of the RA government informed PanARMENIAN.Net

Other states and international structures are invited to participate
in the center’s construction and operation. The RA Ministry
of Education and Science will be responsible for the project’s
implementation. According to Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, the
establishment of CANDLE international center is a good example of
state’s and private sector’s support to initiatives of Armenian
scientists.

The complex will provide with the opportunity to have over 40 modern
testing laboratories, Director of CANDLE scientific and research
institute, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Vasili Tsakanov
told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. "The project implementation will
allow conducting world-class fundamental and applied researches in
physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, ecology, microelectronics,
pharmacology and material science in Armenia, as well as will serve
as a driving force for the development of high technologies in the
country," Vasili Tsakanov said.

CANDLE is a project of 3 gigaelectronvolts energy, third generation
synchrotron light source. It was designed by Armenian scientists
and was highly estimated by an international expert commission, as a
world-class project and brilliant initiative for the development of
science and technology in Armenia. CANDLE is ranked among the following
projects on light emission source: SPEAR3 (USA), CLS (Canada), SOLEIL
(France) and Diamond (England.) The demand for such sources is from
3-10 times higher than the available possibilities in the world.

ARMENIAN POPULATION ENDANGERED

news.am
May 6 2010
Armenia

The present demographic situation in Armenia arouses serious
concern. If the current population growth rates continue, the Armenian
population will reduce twice in 40-45 years, Gayane Avagyan, Senior
Specialist, Maternity and Child Care Department, RA Ministry of Health,
told a press conference.

As regards population growth, Armenia ranks 205th among 229 countries,
she said. "For the present population size to be preserved each family
has to have at least two children, while three and more children have
to be born for the population to increase," Avagyan said. She pointed
out that Armenian women most often have children at the age of 25-32,
and men at the age of 25-35. However, social reasons cause the age
limits to rise.

Speaking of the problem of sterility, she pointed out a considerable
reduction in sterility rate in Armenia recently. Specifically,
the primary sterility rate is 5.3% for women and 2.7% for men. The
second sterility rate is 11% and 2.6% respectively. Among the
causes are infections, endocrine diseases and impotence. Only 8% of
the cases are considered incurable. Avagyan said that treatment of
sterility and artificial insemination are expensive. She hopes that
the Government will be able to subsidize the treatment of socially
vulnerable families.

The experts pointed out that the Government has budgeted funds for
women during childbirth and post-childbirth period. "Women receive
50,000 AMD after having the first child and 450,000 after having the
third. Also, the monthly child benefit is 18,000 AMD," Avagyan said.

She pointed out that the Government’s measures are aimed to increase
birthrate. Avagyan also reported that cesarean births constitute
13-14 per cent in Armenia.

As regards cancer, particularly cervical carcinoma, she said that
necessary analyses are made free of charge. Also, vaccination is
available for women. "We intend to purchase vaccines and carry out
compulsory vaccination of teenagers aged 15-16," Avagyan said.

ARMENIA 2010: EVA RIVAS

EuroVisionary
participant-profile/2010/apricot-stone/eva-rivas
M ay 6 2010

Artist name: Eva Rivas
Song title: Apricot Stone
Song writer(s): Armen Martirosyan & Karen Kavaleryan
Year: 2010
Country: Armenia
Starting position semi-final 2: 2
About the song: Apricot Stone is about learning about the realities
and problems of the world and coping with them.

With the apricot (traditional to Armenia) this reminds the singer of
her homeland and all the good things in life.

She hopes for a return to her motherland.

About the participant: Eva Rivas was born in 1987 in Rostov-na-Donu.

Eva was a member of the famous Armenian youth ensemble, Arevik (they
actually participated for Armenia at the Junior Eurovision Song
Contest in 2007 after Eva had left). She sang in different styles
including pop, classical and ethnic.

In 2005 Eva began her solo career and has gone on to win many prizes
including the Golden Voice Of Rostov; Miss Pearl Of Don; Vice-Miss Of
The Caucasus and Armenian Song Of The Year and the 5 Stars festival
in Sochi, Russia.

In 2009 Eva recorded a video clip for the song Tamam Ashkarh. The
video was recorded in Armenia, Afghanistan, Algeria and Uzbekistan
and has received worldwide acclaim.

Eva is currently recording an album for release soon.

Apricot Stone was composed by Armen Martirosyan and Karen Kavaleryan.

Karen has already participated six times as a lyricist at the
Eurovision Song Contest.

About the selection: The Armenian national selection was held on
Sunday 14 February 2010 at the Opera Theatre in Yerevan.

9 acts participated in the final. The favourites prior to the show
were popular dance act, Emmy & Mihran, with the song Hey (Let Me Hear
You Say).

Apricot Stone by Eva Rivas was selected by a combination of 50%
SMS voting and 50% expert jury voting.

The guests at the final included Hayko (Armenia ESC 2007) and Luara
Hayrapetyan (Armenia JESC 2009).

Lyrics: Many, many years ago, when I was a little child Mama told
me you should know our world is cruel and wild But to make your way
through cold and heat Love is all that you need

I believed her every word, more than anything I heard But I was too
scared to lose my fun I began to cry a lot and she gave me apricots
Kisses of the earth, fruits of the sun

Apricot stone, hidden in my hand Given back to me from the motherland
Apricot stone, I will drop it down in the frozen ground I’ll just
let it make its round

Apricot stone, hidden in my hand Given back to me from the motherland
Apricot stone

Now I see the northern stars shining brightly in the storm And I’ve
got an avatar of my love to keep me warm Now I’m not afraid of violent
winds They may blow – they can’t win

May the winter stay away from my harvest night and day May God bless
and keep my cherished fruit Grow my tree up to the sky, once I waved
my home goodbye I just wanna go back to my roots

Apricot stone, hidden in my hand Given back to me from the motherland
Apricot stone, I will drop it down in the frozen ground I’ll just
let it make its round

Apricot stone, hidden in my hand Given back to me from the motherland
Apricot stone, hidden in my hand Given back to me from the motherland
Apricot stone.

NEW CAMPAIGN TO MOBILIZE TURKISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Hurriyet
May 5 2010
Turkey

The ‘Ten Thousand Turks’ campaign will create an important force in
US politics on issues that impact Turkey while opening a new chapter
of Turkish American activism. Turkish Coalition USA’s Lincoln McCurdy
says: ‘Greek Americans, Armenian Americans and other ethnic groups have
the same rights. Only Turkish Americans have not taken advantage of
them’ Long considered a voiceless minority, Turkish-Americans and U.S.

sympathizers of the country have launched a "Ten Thousand Turks"
campaign as a grassroots initiative committed to changing the political
dialogue on Turkish-U.S. relations.

"In reality the burden of maintaining stability in the U.S.-Turkish
relationship is through Turkish American political activism and the
‘Ten Thousand Turks’ campaign will be the catalyst in launching the
mobilization of the Turkish American community," Lincoln McCurdy,
treasurer of Turkish Coalition USA Political Action Committee,
or TC-USA PAC, told the Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review in a
Wednesday interview.

The group is hoping to build a community of 10,000 Turkish Americans
and American friends of Turkey by Oct. 29, Turkish Republic Day.

Since its inception in 2007, the TC-USA PAC has raised over $270,000
from Turkish Americans and friends of Turkey to distribute as
political contributions to candidates who understand the importance
of U.S.-Turkish relations.

"By supporting the ‘Ten Thousand Turks’ campaign, Turkish Americans
are utilizing their rights as citizens to participate in the U.S.

political system," McCurdy said. "Greek Americans, Armenian Americans
and other ethnic groups have the same rights. Only Turkish Americans
have not taken advantage of them."

Before 2007 there were no Turkish American political action committees,
or PACs, in the U.S, but there are now two, the TC-USA PAC in
Washington D.C. and the Turkish PAC in Houston, Texas.

McCurdy said U.S. law forbids nonprofit organizations, which include
many Turkish-American organizations, from participating in political
activities.

"These organizations are not permitted to endorse or oppose candidates
and cannot raise money for political contributions. PACs, on the
other hand, are permitted to do such activities," he said.

While explaining one of the purposes of the campaign, McCurdy said
it would demonstrate to U.S. politicians on local, state and federal
levels that there is a dynamic group in the Turkish American community
engaged in political activism.

The campaign is expected to become an important force in political
matters that impact Turkey.

"By supporting the ‘Ten Thousand Turks’ campaign, Turkish Americans
will no longer need to be on the defensive but can be instrumental
in ensuring that there is balanced dialogue concerning issues of
importance to them," said McCurdy. "By being politically involved
Turkish Americans can play a constructive role in shaping U.S. foreign
policy."

McCurdy said the campaign would also be a network of support for
Turkish Americans who decide to run for public office.

"Currently, there have been only two Turkish Americans ever elected
to public office, both on the local level. No Turkish American has
ever been elected to state or federal office. We want to change that,"
he said.

The campaign is open to all Turkish Americans and American friends
of Turkey.

"Though only Turkish Americans and other American friends of Turkey
can become one of 10,000, everyone who supports Turkish Americans,
including all Turks, can help spread awareness about the campaign,"
said McCurdy.

In addition to the Turkish PAC, the TC-USA PAC joins pre-existing
nonprofit Turkish-American organization such as the Turkish Coalition
of America, or TCA, the Assembly of Turkish American Associations,
or ATAA, the Federation of Turkish American Associations, or FTAA,
the American Turkish Society, or ATS, the American Turkish Council
and other local Turkish American associations in advocating for Turkey
in the U.S.

About the TC-USA PAC

TC-USA PAC was established in February 2007 by citizens of both
Turkish and non-Turkish heritage to support political candidates
who are committed to engaging in a meaningful dialogue with Turkish
Americans on major issues affecting their lives; maintaining a strong
U.S.-Turkish relationship; and advocating a balanced discussion on
the global and regional issues that impact Turkey and U.S.-Turkish
relations.

The TC-USA PAC is also active in encouraging Turkish Americans to
participate in the U.S. political process, including running for
public office.